Kockums powers Japanese subs

Swedish-based shipbuilder Kockums, a division of Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, has signed a contract with Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries to deliver Stirling engines to Japan?s submarine program. The order follows several years of evaluation of Stirling engines aboard the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s training submarine, the company said.

Submarines equipped with the Stirling Air Independent Propulsion, or AIP, systems can stay submerged longer than a conventional diesel-electric submarine and will be used on Japan’s new submarines. The company did not disclose the value of the contract and also declined to say how many engines had been ordered.

Kockums will deliver the engines, while KHI will assemble the AIP units and also be responsible for final delivery of the complete AIP systems to the shipyards.